Chapter 11, “How to evaluate each
thought and impulse and avoid being careless about venial sin” (34) is very short and to the point. In one paragraph, Anonymous asks us to examine the way we
think. He wants us to see how we use our
thoughts and how our thoughts use us.
Watching thoughts--the act of
spiritual attentiveness, watchfulness, “mental vigilance” (as Anonymous calls
it), and the guarding of one’s heart--has always been a key practice among
contemplatives throughout the great traditions of the world.
Although Anonymous doesn’t give us any
detailed advice as to how we might best watch our thoughts, he insists that we need to “[pay]
attention to the sudden allure of each thought.” Within the contemplative tradition, however,
other teachers have shared their experiences and struggles with thoughts in
considerable detail. You may find it
helpful to look at several of their observations.
After reviewing your experience and
examining your contemplative practice, how is it that you “catch a tempting
idea when it first arises” so that you “stop it from leading you into sin”?
No comments:
Post a Comment